Bernard A. Kohn

American, born 1905

Explore selected works

The image consists of curving lines and overlapping shapes creating a composition. The abstract artwork is black and white and bordered by a red backdrop. Some lines arc upward, while others weave together. The patterns on the surfaces resemble textures like bark or a stone surface.
Bernard A. Kohn, Inescapable Rhythms, 1958, color wood engraving, Rosenwald Collection, 1963.11.133

Inescapable Rhythms

Bernard A. Kohn · 1958 · color wood engraving ·  Accession ID  1963.11.133

This image features an array of bold lines and angular shapes arranged within a multi-panel composition. The top section depicts jagged shapes with intricate textures. Below, rectangular and rounded forms interlock. The middle panel suggests figures gathered beneath a canopy. On the left side, tall, curved lines resemble grasses or trees. At the bottom, interconnected forms mirror people walking together. The composition is a blend of abstract shapes evoking recognizable objects and scenes.
Bernard A. Kohn, Mexican Panel, 1956, wood engraving, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2904

Mexican Panel

Bernard A. Kohn · 1956 · wood engraving ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2904

The image consists of vertical and diagonal lines, rectangles, and irregular shapes layered in an abstract composition. The shapes and lines resemble buildings, creating a city skyline. Muted colors and the arrangement suggest a bustling metropolis, captured in a simplified manner. The abstract arrangement enables varied interpretations of streets and skyscrapers.
Bernard A. Kohn, Out of the Texas Plains, 1948, screenprint, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2905

Out of the Texas Plains

Bernard A. Kohn · 1948 · screenprint ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2905

The image shows a rocky landmass to the right of center, situated on a body of water with the horizon subtly indicated as the base of the rock meets the water. The horizon is in the lower third of the image, emphasizing the sky above. The brushstrokes are bold and slightly rough, giving a sense of abstraction. The color palette includes earthy tones for the rock, blues and whites for the sky and water, and pale beiges and whites for abstract cloud forms in the sky. The image conveys a peaceful landscape through a minimalistic and impressionistic approach.
Bernard A. Kohn, Mountain, Lake & Sky, 1948, screenprint, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2906

Mountain, Lake & Sky

Bernard A. Kohn · 1948 · screenprint ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2906

The image displays geometric shapes, including a large pink trapezoid on top of an olive-green polygon. An orange circle is in the upper left corner, with a thin blue horizontal rectangle below. These elements create an abstract composition.
Bernard A. Kohn, Mountain, Lake and Sky #2, 1948, screenprint, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2903

Mountain, Lake and Sky #2

Bernard A. Kohn · 1948 · screenprint ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2903

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Contrapuntal

Bernard A. Kohn · 1949 · wood engraving ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2902